Slime Rancher 2

Slime Rancher 2 expands everything that made the first game so endearing, offering richer environments and ecosystems. While the first game delivered a cozy slime-raising sim, the sequel feels like a proper adventure.

Even after spending close to 30 hours already, there are oodles of secrets to find, upgrades to unlock, and further optimizations I can make to my ranch setup. I think I’ll be vacationing here for a while.

Slime Rancher 2 not only feels like a great sequel that builds on foundations laid with the original, but also a great game in its own right.

Slime Rancher 2 is a worthy sequel that preserves the original’s charm while adding smart improvements. Rainbow Island brims with secrets, new slimes, and the freedom to play at your own pace, enhanced by tight controls and a dynamic soundtrack. Though the abundance of options can feel overwhelming, it’s more of a luxury—there’s always something to do. Cozy, colorful, and surprisingly deep, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.

Slime Rancher 2 is a game, like the original Slime Rancher, where much of your enjoyment is going to be driven by how enamored you are by its world and the silly creatures that inhabit it. Luckily, that's a hard charm to resist; it's easy to feel driven to explore and build and ranch just to hear beautiful music, see new locales, and hopefully meet yet another strange slime with its own little quirks. At the same time, the game expects you to grind out large amounts of materials for some later recipes, some materials for which (such as Strange Diamonds) can be difficult to get consistently. There are at least two devices in the latter half of the game you seem to be expected to build quite a few of and place semi-permanently, but most players are instead likely to place them down, use as needed and pick up again to avoid grinding to create extras. The game also has a few areas that are relatively easy to miss without thorough combing, but are either story critical or clearly expected to be found by the majority of players. Despite these issues and despite the fact Slime Rancher 2 perhaps isn't as different from its predecessor as some might hope, however, it remains a deeply charming experience with a wonderfully colorful aesthetic.

More Slime Rancher is always a good thing. Slime AI has been improved, Slime personalities stand out more and are better designed, and Rainbow Island is gorgeous. However, a distinct lack of progression and a tiresome gameplay loop make Slime Rancher 2 feel more like DLC than a distinct sequel.

Much like the first game, Slime Rancher 2 is a really grand time. The expansive world is filled with gorgeous vistas and really clever level design. Uncovering the secrets of Rainbow Island while building your ranch remains a highly entertaining experience. In this regard, Slime Rancher 2 is a worthy successor to the original. But a bigger world to explore without equal developments to gameplay makes the cracks shine a little brighter. Ranching can still feel a little too shallow and wears thin without new challenges to overcome. Additionally, a heavy late-game grind shines a spotlight on how tedious collecting resources can become. This series of smaller problems highlights just how much Slime Rancher 2 suffers from refusing to evolve its gameplay. But, if you adored the first game, another ranching adventure with loads of exciting new content will more than make up for any shortcomings.

Slime Rancher 2 is an entertaining game and does offer a lot to do, but I enjoyed the more relaxed original entry more. The best comparison I can offer is that the first game felt like exploring a cozy area and taking my time collecting slimes. With the second, I feel more beholden to the inventory limitations and as though I’m playing to constantly collect resources to tick boxes. There’s nothing wrong with that kind of grind, and some folks might appreciate that increase in intensity. I do think it changes the general atmosphere and ambiance from the original experience in a way that might not make upgrading worthwhile for those who really loved the first title.

This is an entirely fine sequel for those who want a cute and casual creature collector, as it provides enough busy work to keep you entertained for a minimum 25 hours or so. The exploration and graphics are some of the new game’s highlights, also bringing in new slime species and a higher focus on gadgets. If you liked playing the previous game, then Slime Rancher 2 is more of it, for better or for worse.

The first few hours of Slime Rancher 2 are a delightful experience, and it’s super relaxing to traverse the environments, capture slimes, and build your conservatory. It’s a great game to play if you’ve had a stressful day and you’re looking to unwind. However, after a while, you will likely find the slimes that you prefer using, discover the majority of the locations, and unlock the last remaining upgrades. In the end, it requires you to find your own meaning and discover a grand ambition that drives your pursuit. Just like the original, I couldn’t find it. But I definitely enjoyed my experience more than last time.